We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics data collected from the Missouri River alluvial aquifer and surface water sites near Independence and Columbia, Missouri during 2025
AI summary Read the abstract
This dataset records microplastic testing by the U.S. Geological Survey in groundwater and surface water near Independence and Columbia, Missouri, in 2025. Samples came from monitoring wells, a drinking water supply system, and an outflow canal, with particles analyzed by Northern Illinois University's Microplastic Laboratory. Microplastics were found in every sample tested.
Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles ranging from 1 micrometer (µm) to 5 millimeters (mm), are considered contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and are ubiquitous in the environment. MPs occur in a variety of sizes, shapes and polymer types and have been detected in multiple freshwater matrices, including surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Development of standardized analytical methods for freshwater matrices and information on the occurrence and characterization of MPs in groundwater systems are ongoing. In 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Central Midwest Water Science Center collected samples for MP analysis near the Independence, Missouri and at McBaine Bottoms, near Columbia, Missouri. Data were collected near Independence from the alluvial aquifer and from a groundwater collection system that receives water from several municipal supply wells prior to drinking water treatment (composite site). Sampling included 26 groundwater monitoring well samples, 1 composite site sample, and 6 quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) samples. Data were collected from the alluvial aquifer and outflow canal at McBaine Bottoms, near Columbia, Missouri. Sampling included 11 groundwater monitoring well samples, 3 outflow canal samples, and 4 QA/QC samples. Particle identification and characterization were provided by the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Microplastic Laboratory. The datasets include particle-level measurements and identifications for MPs and non-microplastic particles provided by the NIU Microplastic Laboratory, as well as summarization of MP data derived from the particle data by particle count, size range, polymer type, sample type, and sampling location. MPs were detected in all analyzed samples.
More Papers Like This
River-groundwater Interaction and Recharge Effects on Microplastics Contamination of Groundwater in Confined Alluvial Aquifers: Original dataset
AI summary Read the abstract
This is a duplicate dataset entry for the river-groundwater microplastic contamination study, providing the same raw data on microplastic analysis in confined alluvial aquifer samples.
River-groundwater Interaction and Recharge Effects on Microplastics Contamination of Groundwater in Confined Alluvial Aquifers: Original dataset
AI summary Read the abstract
This is a dataset entry supporting a study on microplastic contamination in confined alluvial groundwater aquifers, covering the role of river-groundwater interaction in transporting microplastics into subsurface water. Raw analysis data from environmental and control samples are provided. It is a supporting dataset rather than a full research paper.
Supplementary data for microplastic mobility in groundwater aquifers
AI summary Read the abstract
This study provides data and computer models to understand how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) move through underground water sources that supply our drinking water. The research helps scientists predict where these plastic particles will end up in groundwater systems. This matters because microplastics are increasingly found in drinking water, and understanding their movement helps us better protect water supplies and assess potential health risks.
Distribution and transport of microplastics in groundwater (Shiraz aquifer, southwest Iran)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in groundwater from an alluvial aquifer in a semi-arid region of Iran. They identified microplastics in all sampled wells, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes and polyethylene the dominant polymer type. The study demonstrates that groundwater, an important source of drinking water, is not immune to microplastic contamination and calls for more research on transport mechanisms in subsurface environments.
Baseline Assessment of Microplastic Occurrence in Groundwater from Alluvial and Karst Aquifers
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested groundwater from underground aquifers in Slovenia, the same types of water sources many communities rely on for drinking water, and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in nearly every sample tested. This matters because it shows that microplastics aren't just in oceans and rivers; they're making their way into the water beneath our feet, which could eventually end up in our taps, though more research is needed to understand what levels of exposure mean for our health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.